What Is a Keloid?

A keloid is an abnormal type of raised scar caused by excessive scar tissue formation during the healing process.

Unlike many ordinary scars, keloids can extend beyond the borders of the original wound and may continue to become thicker or larger over time.

Keloids can develop following:

• Acne
• Ear piercing
• Surgery
• Cuts or injuries
• Injections
• Burns
• Tattoos
• Other forms of skin trauma

Keloid Removal & Treatment Options

There is no single treatment suitable for every keloid.

Depending on the scar, treatment may involve:

• Intralesional injections
• Laser treatment
• Scar-focused procedures
• Combination therapy
• Surgical evaluation for selected cases
• Ongoing recurrence management

The goal is generally to flatten the scar, improve redness, relieve symptoms, and make the keloid less noticeable rather than promise complete permanent removal.

Keloid Injection Treatment

Intralesional injections are commonly used for selected keloid and hypertrophic scars.

Treatment is delivered directly into the scar and may help reduce its thickness, firmness, itching, or discomfort over time.

Multiple sessions may be required depending on the size and response of the keloid.

Laser Treatment for Keloid Scars

Laser treatment may be incorporated into a keloid treatment program when redness or other selected scar characteristics are present.

For example, vascular-focused laser treatment may be considered for persistent redness. Laser treatment is often part of a broader scar-management strategy rather than a standalone solution for every keloid.

Ear Keloid Treatment

Keloids can develop after ear or cartilage piercings, sometimes forming noticeable raised scars around the piercing site.

Treatment depends on the keloid's size, location, previous recurrence, and whether it involves the earlobe or cartilage.

Acne Keloid Scar Treatment

Some patients develop raised scars following inflammatory acne, particularly around areas such as the jawline, chest, shoulders, or back.

These scars require a different approach from depressed acne scars. Procedures such as subcision or TCA CROSS that are designed for depressed scars are generally not used in the same way for keloids.

Keloid vs. Hypertrophic Scar

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are both raised scars, but they behave differently.

A hypertrophic scar generally remains within the boundaries of the original injury, while a keloid can extend beyond the original wound.

Correct identification is important because treatment planning and recurrence risk may differ.

Can Keloids Be Completely Removed?

Keloids can be challenging because they have a tendency to recur.

Even after significant flattening or removal, new scar tissue can sometimes develop. For this reason, treatment should focus on both improving the existing keloid and reducing the likelihood of recurrence when possible.

Does Surgical Keloid Removal Work?

Surgical excision may be considered for selected keloids, but surgery alone can carry a significant risk of recurrence because the procedure itself creates a new wound.

When surgical treatment is appropriate, additional recurrence-prevention strategies may therefore be considered. Surgical cases should be evaluated individually.

How Many Keloid Treatments Are Needed?

Keloid treatment frequently requires multiple sessions.

The treatment schedule depends on:

• Keloid size
• Thickness
• Location
• Scar age
• Symptoms
• Previous treatments
• History of recurrence
• Individual treatment response

Long-term follow-up may be appropriate for scars with a higher recurrence tendency.

Keloid Treatment for International Patients in Seoul

Located in Cheongdam, Gangnam, Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic provides personalized scar and keloid consultations for international residents and visitors in Seoul.

Patients can receive an assessment of their scar and discuss appropriate treatment options, expected improvement, recurrence risk, and whether multiple visits may be necessary.

Why Choose Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic for Keloid Treatment?

• Personalized scar assessment
• Raised scar evaluation
• Keloid injection treatment options
• Laser treatment when appropriate
• Ear piercing keloid assessment
• Acne-related raised scar treatment
• Combination scar-management options
• Recurrence-focused treatment planning
• Convenient Cheongdam, Gangnam location
• International patient-friendly consultation

FAQ – Keloid Removal in Gangnam

Can keloids be permanently removed?

Keloids can improve significantly with treatment, but permanent removal cannot be guaranteed because recurrence is possible.

What is the best treatment for a keloid?

The appropriate treatment depends on the keloid's size, location, thickness, symptoms, and previous treatments. Injections, laser treatment, combination therapy, or surgical evaluation may be considered.

Can injections flatten a keloid?

Intralesional injections are commonly used to help flatten and soften selected keloids. Multiple treatments may be necessary.

Can laser remove a keloid?

Laser treatment may improve selected characteristics such as redness, but it may need to be combined with other keloid treatments.

Can ear piercing keloids be treated?

Yes. Keloids caused by ear or cartilage piercings can be evaluated for treatment according to their size, location, and recurrence history.

Do keloids grow back after removal?

Yes. Keloids have a recognized risk of recurrence, which is why recurrence management is an important part of treatment planning.

Can foreigners get keloid treatment in Gangnam?

Yes. International residents and visitors can consult Cheongdam JIA Skin Clinic about personalized keloid and raised scar treatments in Seoul.